Tag: now

Marvel in the 1970s and Marvel NOW

Feb. 17 Comics no comments

Thinking about Marvel in the 1970s brings up memories of the company beginning to push the envelope with stronger female characters and mixing in characters that non-Caucasians could relate to. It was also a time in which Marvel resurrected the horror comics genre and had a strong expansion into the universe at-large with the inclusion of galactic storytelling. Has anyone else noticed how Marvel in the 1970s is being revisited through Marvel NOW?

Nova

Nova

Galactic Storytelling

Guardians of the Galaxy and Nova both bring Marvel back to one of their featured storytelling styles from the 1970s. Galactic storytelling was one of the major cornerstones for Marvel in the 1970s and is going to make a major impact in the Marvel NOW version of the Marvel Universe. Both Nova and the Guardians of the Galaxy first saw the light of the Marvel cosmos in the 1970s and are back now. Marvel in the 1970s would have been quite different without cosmic stories, and Marvel NOW will be quite different with it.

Defenders and Valkyrie

Valkyrie is back on a Defenders team with Fearless Defenders. Both the character and the team were original to Marvel in the 1970s. Valkyrie is one of the strongest female characters in any Marvel Universe and has been overlooked for too long. Hopefully she can grow with her new title and gain the renown which she should have gained in her initial run. Hopefully this Defenders title will not be held back with kitschy storytelling and an overly-rotated cast of characters.

Read more about by problems with the Defenders here.

Marvel Horror

Another cornerstone of Marvel in the 1970s was the resurrection of horror when the Comics Code was loosened to allow scary creatures in the printed pages once again. Morbius: The Living Vampire might be the best example you could think of today, but Man-Thing will begin to play a role in Savage Wolverine in issue #4. Both of these horror characters were created in the 1970s and are making an impact early into the Marvel Now run. Marvel in the 1970s is being reflected by Marvel NOW and there are few things which would make fans of my generation happier.

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Doctor Strange Needs His Own Title NOW

Feb. 15 Characters no comments

The market is ripe for a stand-alone Doctor Strange title. It is time for fans of the Sorcerer Supreme to speak up so the powers at Marvel can hear our pleas. We need more of the Master of the Mystic Arts and it is time for Marvel to comply. Where is Doctor Strange for the Dark Market? Comics are taking a darker turn right now with DC pushing its Dark line with titles such as Justice League Dark, Phantom Stranger, Swamp Thing, and the soon-to-launch Constantine. The Walking Dead is one of the essential comics on the market today with Hoax Hunters and other dark and horror titles gaining stronger followings each month. Doctor Strange would fit right in with this reemerging market and I am sure Marvel is not going to want to miss this boat.

Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange

TV Appearances

Doctor Strange has been important enough in the Marvel Universe to make multiple appearances on recent animated shows so the company should launch a new title with him to reinforce his importance. Episodes of “The Super Hero Squad Show” and “Ultimate Spider-Man” have both guest starred the Sorcerer Supreme, so it would make sense that if he was written into the shows, he could be written into his own title.

The 1970s

In recent history, characters that gained popularity in the 1970s but waned in the 1980s have gained popularity again. Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Valkyrie are just three examples of characters which have been “resurrected” or dusted off for the modern audiences. Why can’t Doctor Strange fit into this category?

Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange Movie

Marvel is having the script worked on for a Doctor Strange movie. It would make sense for the publishing company to reacquaint fans with the character as much as possible before the opening of the movie is scheduled. While his presence in New Avengers is good, it is not strong enough. Marvel needs to allow new fans to learn about the Sanctum Sanctorum and all of Doctor Strange’s allies and enemies. Hey Marvel – Get on that NOW!

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